Cheddar Cheese Bread - Rebbit Care

Cheddar Cheese Bread is a savory, cheesy, and perfectly soft bread that’s easy to make and perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or as a snack on its own. The sharp flavor of cheddar cheese adds depth to the bread, making it a deliciously comforting treat. It’s simple enough to make with basic ingredients but packs a lot of flavor!

Here’s a simple recipe for Cheddar Cheese Bread:

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and another cheese like Monterey Jack or Gruyère)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and egg until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick.

4. Add the Cheese:

Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5. Bake the Bread:

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs).

If the top is getting too brown before the center is fully cooked, you can cover the bread loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.

6. Cool and Serve:

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve while it’s still warm for the best flavor!

Tips and Variations:

Cheese Variety: While sharp cheddar is great for flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, Gruyère, or even Parmesan for different textures and tastes.
Add-ins: Add cooked bacon bits, chopped scallions, or even chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
Herbs: If you like a fresh herb flavor, try adding dried thyme, oregano, or chives to the dough.

Make it Fluffy: For a lighter texture, substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with cake flour or use buttermilk in place of regular milk for extra tenderness and tang.
Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Simply wrap in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for the best results.

Serving Suggestions:

This Cheddar Cheese Bread is perfect alongside a bowl of soup (especially a creamy soup like broccoli cheddar or tomato soup) or served with a fresh salad.

It also makes a great addition to brunch or can be sliced and served with butter as a quick snack or appetizer.
If you’re feeling indulgent, serve slices with a bit of cream cheese or garlic butter spread on top.

This Cheddar Cheese Bread is simple to make and packed with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re enjoying it with a meal or just on its own, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who loves the flavor of cheese in their bread. Enjoy!